Bergstrom International Airport (AUS): Approximate driving time is 15 minutes and distance is 8 miles.

Driving directions from AUS: Take Bastrop Hwy. to I-71 west. Bear left onto E. Ben White Blvd. and go about 4.5 miles. Turn left on Governors Row, and the hotel is on the left.

Getting there: The hotel offers complimentary shuttle service to and from the airport; use a courtesy phone near baggage claim to arrange for a pick-up.

Getting around: The best way to get around the area is by taxi or rental car. Car rentals can be arranged on this Web site. Guest self-parking is complimentary at the hotel.

Sweetwater's Bar - A gathering spot serving appetizers and happy hour specials, Sweetwater's has enough TVs to satisfy sports fans, a jukebox, and a selection of fine cigars. Open every afternoon until late night.

Lobby Lounge - This circular lobby bar serves up quick Continental or hot breakfasts for guests on the go. In the evenings, the lounge offers a full bar and signature martinis. Open daily, mornings and evenings (closed mid-day).

Amenity highlights: The health club is staffed by knowledgeable fitness assistants, and features recumbent stationary bikes, treadmills, weight-training equipment, elliptical runners, free weights, a Mexican-tiled spa tub, and dry sauna. An indoor/outdoor pool can be used year-round. The restaurant offers an Omni Kids Program, offering children's menus, as well as child-sized backpacks with puzzles, games, activity books, and crayons.

Insider tip: Five miles away, the Congress Street Bridge is home to the largest urban bat colony in North America (mid-March to mid-November). Mexican free-tail bats—1.5 million of them—set up house in crevices under the bridge, and emerge each day at sunset to dine on mosquitoes and other insects. Those hankering for a close-up view are advised to bring an umbrella.